JAPANESE EXPERTS TO CARRY OUT ANTI-LANDSLIDE PROJECT

ArmenPress
Dec 23 2004

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS: A new team of land-slide experts
from Japan has arrived in Armenia bringing also a batch of modern
equipment to start the second stage of a project that aims to
eliminate landslide dangers, funded by a Japanese government grant.
Deputy urban minister Sos Kocharian told Armenpress the second
stage of the project is supposed to be over next June. He said
Japanese experts will launch pilot programs in three Armenian
regions, suffering from landslides. The project comprises geological
studies, design work and protection measures.
Based on the studies Japanese will prepare a master plan that will
allow the government to seek the assistance of international donor
organizations to carry out large-scale anti-slide measures.
The third phase of the project is expected to follow. Findings of
the first stage of studies revealed that virtually one third of
settlements is located in areas that could be affected by land
slides.